Entering rehabilitation is an important step in the recovery process. Residential treatment requires that patients stay overnight at the facility. Residents at The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab will be under the supervision of the professional team of medical experts and staff members. These experts strive to make the transition as seamless as possible.

However, living for an extended time at any place that isn’t your home requires some adjustments. To help with the process, we have a checklist of what items you should bring along and what to leave at home.

What Can I Bring With Me to Treatment?

Prepare for your stay by packing a few essentials, which can help you be ready to focus on recovery upon arrival and during treatment. 

Clothing

The types of clothes you should bring depends on the time of the year you’ll come to The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab. The temperature in Columbus, Ohio, can drop below zero during winter months and reach the 90s during summer months. Keep the seasonal weather in mind when you pack one or two weeks worth of clothing and comfortable, appropriate sleepwear.

At The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab, there are multiple exercise areas, including two gymnasiums and multiple outdoor courts, so activewear is recommended. To ensure that the focus stays on recovery, the facility does not allow tank tops or shorts that are shorter than fingertip length when your arms are at your side. Clothing depicting obscene phrases and images or illicit substances is also not allowed. 

Even during the summer, a sweater or light jacket is recommended for those who are often cold indoors or in the evening.

Recommended clothing:

Toiletries and Personal Care Items

While you may share a bedroom and bathroom with other residents, you can bring your own toiletries. Some items cannot be brought to the facility if they were opened before arrival or if they include specific substances, including alcohol. This requirement is to protect the residents and staff members from unauthorized substances entering the facility.

The items you’re allowed to bring include:

Hygiene products with alcohol listed among the first three ingredients will not be allowed at the center. The facility can supply residents with shampoo, conditioner and other items upon request.

Documentation

The safety and confidentiality of our residents are very important to us. To ensure a seamless process, we ask that you bring the following documentation with you to treatment:

• Photo ID: State/Government valid ID/Driver’s License/Passport
• Necessary travel documentation (if pertinent to your arrival and departure from the facility)
• Relevant medical records/list of providers with contact information
• A list of family members and their contact information

Financial

• Small amount of cash ($50)
• A form of payment (credit card, debit card, and checkbook)
• Prepaid Visa gift card (only this will be used for all purchases facilitated by staff on your behalf)

Electronics

• Cell phone
• E-reader
• Music (MP3, 1st-generation iPod, ear buds, headphones)

Medications

The staff at The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab recognizes that many people take medications to maintain their physical and mental health. Communication with the intake coordinators and other staff members regarding this topic is important for understanding expectations. Please bring any medications that you need with you, but please understand that staff members may inspect the medications to ensure that no unauthorized substances enter the facility. This practice is to ensure the health and safety of the residents and staff members. If a medication is authorized, it will be held by staff and dispensed as medically appropriate.

Tobacco

• Cigarettes (All tobacco products must be unopened)
• Any tobacco product you wish to use during the length of your stay if you’re under the age of 21

Please note: patients under the age of 21 will not have the opportunity to purchase tobacco products during their stay. Our staff is not able to provide or purchase tobacco products for patients under the age of 21.

Journal/Hobby Items

Residential treatment involves daily schedules of individual and group counseling sessions, therapy, recreational activities and other events. You’ll have many busy days during your stay at the facility. However, there will be time to reflect after hours of recovery work. You’re encouraged to bring a journal or other personal hobby items with you. Any items that contradict with the goals of your recovery or disturb another resident’s progress will not be allowed in the facility.

What Not to Bring

Patient comfort is a primary concern at The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab. However, recovery from addiction is the ultimate goal and each patient should be in an environment where they can focus on healing. Certain items combat the recovery process or create an unsafe environment for staff and residents. The items not permitted for use at the facility include:

This is not an exhaustive list. Final determination of any other contraband is at the discretion of the treatment team.

While this guide may answer many of your questions, you may still have additional questions regarding what you can bring to The Recovery Village Columbus Drug and Alcohol Rehab. If so, contact a representative today to receive more information about how to prepare for your residential treatment.